Evidence supporting the use of: Danshen
For the health condition: Migraine
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb commonly used for its purported effects on blood circulation and cardiovascular health. Its use in the context of migraines is primarily rooted in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, where migraines are often attributed to "blood stasis" or poor circulation in the head. TCM practitioners have historically used Danshen, often in combination with other herbs, to "invigorate the blood" and alleviate headache symptoms, including migraines.
There is limited scientific investigation specifically addressing Danshen for migraine treatment. Some animal studies and in vitro research suggest that Danshen has anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory, and neuroprotective properties, which could, in theory, be relevant to migraine pathophysiology. However, robust human clinical trials evaluating Danshen alone or in combination for migraine prevention or treatment are lacking. The available evidence is largely anecdotal or based on traditional formulations, rather than modern, placebo-controlled studies.
In summary, the rationale for using Danshen in migraines is primarily traditional, supported by TCM texts and historical usage, with only preliminary and indirect scientific support for its mechanisms. Its effectiveness for migraine management has not been substantiated by high-quality clinical evidence.
Other ingredients used for Migraine
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
ashwagandha
bergamot
beta caryophyllene
black tea
Indian frankincense
bupleurum falcatum
Chinese salvia root
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
turmeric
curcumin
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
feverfew
fish oil
ginger
ginkgo biloba
gooseberry
gotu kola
kudzu
l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt (5-MTHF)
lavender
luteolin
magnesium
melatonin
moringa
niacin (vitamin B3)
omega-3 fatty acids
peppermint oil
phytocannabinoids
pine bark
purple butterbur root
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
almond fruit
ubiquinol
valerian root
vitamin B6
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
zinc
atractylodes
blackboard tree
swertia
lingusticum wallichii
chrysanthemum
soursop
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine
Apple Cider Vinegar
Albizia
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Acetylsalicylic acid
Atractylone
Betony
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
Blepharis
Balsam
Banyan
Brahmi
Butterbur
Bifidobacteria
Black Hellebore
Chinese Silkvine
Crocin
Creatine
Cannabidiol
Corydalis
Carthamus
cola nut
Docosahexaenoic Acid
Danshen
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Folic Acid
Goldthread
Ketone Salts
Little ironweed
Spikenard
Sandalwood
Other health conditions supported by Danshen
AnginaArrhythmia
Arteriosclerosis
Blood Clots (prevention of)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol (high)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Congestive Heart Failure
Edema
Fatty Liver Disease
Hypertension
Inflammation
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
Migraine
Pain (general remedies for)
Phlebitis
Raynaud's Disease
Strokes
Thrombosis
Triglycerides (high)